How common are chills in a kidney infection?

A kidney infection can trigger a whole-body inflammatory response, leading to shivering and a raised temperature. Burning when passing urine, needing to urinate often, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain beneath the ribs or in the back may occur as well. Some people mainly feel unwell or nauseated. Chills can have other causes, so they do not establish that a kidney infection is present, but chills with urinary or flank symptoms deserves prompt attention.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if chills occur with fever, urinary discomfort, or side and back pain. A clinician may examine you and test a urine sample; treatment commonly requires prescription medicine when a bacterial kidney infection is diagnosed. Drink fluids unless you have been told to restrict them, rest, and use only medicines suitable for you. Do not rely on leftover antibiotics or stop a prescribed course early without medical advice, because an untreated kidney infection can worsen.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, severe back or side pain, or breathing difficulty. Get prompt help if you are pregnant, have reduced immunity, kidney disease, or a urinary catheter. A rapidly worsening illness with shaking chills needs immediate assessment because infection can spread beyond the urinary system.

Ask whether you need a urine test or other examination, which treatment is appropriate, how to manage pain and fever, and when you should expect improvement. Tell the clinician about urinary changes, vomiting, pregnancy, allergies, and recent antibiotics.